Bradford College

Author Keda Cowling Nominated for Yorkshire Women of Achievement Award

 

Keda Cowling, the creator of the acclaimed reading manual Toe by Toe has been nominated for a ‘Sue Ryder Yorkshire Women of Achievement Award’.  As a pioneer in education, the Bradford-based author is recognised for her groundbreaking work that transformed the lives of thousands of people across the world.

The former school teacher developed a successful formula to teach children and adults to read, based on her 25 years of classroom experience.   Her reading manual for teachers and parents has met with unprecedented success - with spectacular results even for people with Dyslexia.

Bradford College Dyslexia Tutor Anna Porter said: “Some Bradford College students have followed Keda’s programme with considerable success and lasting results.  I am pleased she has been nominated for this award and for her contribution to raising the profile of this hidden disability.”

Former Bradford College PGCE student teacher, Edward Vickerman welcomed Keda Cowlings nomination for ‘Yorkshire Woman of Achievement’ as Dyslexia is a subject close to his heart.  Edward was told he would never make it as a teacher because of his Dyslexia. Bradford College tutors, Joanne Courtney and Jill Powell recognised his potential and accepted him on the PGCE course at Bradford College.  Edward has since gone on to scoop the national ‘Outstanding Teacher of the Year 2009’ Award.

The book receives a five star rating on Amazon, with reviews such as: “Having tried lots of other ways to help my severely dyslexic but very intelligent oldest son, aged 8, I had almost given up.”

“After three weeks on the system my son gained nearly six months in reading age and, better still, he looked forward to doing his exercises each day.”

“This has a lot to do with the fact that the book also implicitly boosts self confidence. I simply have no criticisms for this book. As far as I am concerned this book is IT for dyslexia. Buy it and use it!”

This is a typical review on the Amazon website - others include “This book has changed my son’s life.” - “Amazing” and “Brilliant."

Supporting Keda Cowling’s nomination for woman of achievement, Dr Adam Hannah, Chairman of Dyslexia Ayrshire said: “It is hard to over-emphasize the contribution her unique system has made to society. It has restored life-chances to generations of young people, allowing them to become literate, and through that, reach their potential.”

“Our own son, a bright 11 year-old with dyslexia, was unable to read after seven years in Primary education, but was reading for pleasure six months after completing Keda’s method. He has just recently been accepted for University.”

Dr Hannah continued: “To enable generations of young people across the world (dyslexia for example is universal) to consistently lift themselves out of the enslaving stigma of illiteracy is simply an outstanding triumph. It is a life-achievement possible only for the few. Keda Cowling is one of that few, and properly deserves the widest social recognition for her individual dedication, selfless skill and outstanding ability.”

Commenting on being nominated for the Sue Rider Award, Author Keda Cowling modestly remarked:  “I feel extremely honoured to have been nominated for this award – especially as there have been so many other worthy people put forward for this accolade.  I feel humbled and delighted!”

 

• To find out more about the Sue Ryder nominations visit: www.suerydercare.org/pages/yorkshire_women_of_achievement.html
• To find out more about Keda Cowlings work visit the website at: www.kedalearning.co.uk/